Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has issued an apology for the “offensive” language used by two speakers during its rally on May 3, while also distancing itself from such remarks.
In a statement released Tuesday (May 6) by the organization’s office secretary Maulana Afsar Mahmud, Joint Secretary General Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi expressed regret, saying, “Two speakers at our event used inappropriate language unintentionally, which does not reflect our stance. We apologize to anyone who felt hurt by this.”
He also called for restraint from critics, saying, “We urge secular and progressive voices to avoid labeling religious scholars with derogatory terms like ‘militant,’ ‘fundamentalist,’ or ‘religious traders.’”
Azizul Haque denied accusations of misogyny, stating that ideological debates should not be equated with hatred toward women. He affirmed Hefazat’s willingness to support reforms aimed at securing women`s rights based on religious principles but criticized the current structure of the Women`s Reform Commission for excluding religious scholars and prioritizing secular perspectives. “This has resulted in a biased report that ignores the beliefs of the broader religious women’s community,” he said.
He further claimed that certain Western-influenced agendas are using radical feminist groups to target Hefazat, but asserted the group would not back down on religious matters.
The statement concluded with a reminder of past grievances, mentioning the role of some groups in the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown.
Earlier, six women, including three leaders of National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders, sent a legal notice to Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh over allegations of using abusive language against the members of the Women Affairs Reform Commission during a recent public rally.
The notice was sent through a lawyer of the Dhaka Judge Court on Monday afternoon.
The notice sought an explanation within seven days as to why a defamation case should not be filed against Hefazat-e-Islam. Failing to provide any explanation, Hefazat would face legal action for defaming the members of the Women Affairs Reform Commission.
